Authority Quote by Justin Kaplan
“Quotations have always been supremely effective rhetorical devices, instruments of one-upmanship, ways of supporting any position under the sun with borrowed or stolen authority.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Rhetoric, 2020
Notes that quoting others is a powerful rhetorical tool for persuasion and authority.
In simple terms: Quoting boosts persuasive power.
Key Takeaway
Use quotes to strengthen arguments.
Themes
rhetoric
persuasion
authority
communication
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- academic writing
- debates
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
borrowed authority
strategic citation
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is quoting more effective than original thought?
- How can you verify the credibility of a quote?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance can seem unoriginal or manipulative.
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![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)